Diocese of San Juan de la Maguana
The Diocese of San Juan de la Maguana, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese in the Dominican Republic. Established on 25 November 1947 by Pope Pius XII, it serves the southwestern region of the country and forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Santo Domingo. The diocese ministers to a largely rural Catholic population through parishes, schools, and charitable works centered on its cathedral city. Stored in Cargo: Diocese of San Juan de la Maguana
| Diocese: Diocese of San Juan de la Maguana | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Ecclesiastical Province of Santo Domingo |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Santo Domingo |
| Country: | Dominican Republic |
| Region: | San Juan Province |
| Bishop: | José Dolores Grullón Echegaray |
| Existence: | 1947– |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
Establishment
The Diocese of San Juan de la Maguana was erected on 25 November 1947 by Pope Pius XII to serve the growing Catholic population in the southwestern Dominican Republic, taking territory from the Archdiocese of Santo Domingo.
History
Early Years
The diocese began its work in a predominantly rural area with limited infrastructure, focusing on establishing parishes and basic pastoral care under its first bishops.
Modern Era
Subsequent growth included the construction of schools and social service centers, reflecting the Church's response to local needs in agriculture and community development.
Geography
The diocese covers territory in the southwestern Dominican Republic, including parts of San Juan Province and adjacent areas.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of San Juan Bautista in San Juan de la Maguana serves as the mother church of the diocese.
Leadership
Current Bishop
José Dolores Grullón Echegaray has served as bishop since 2003.
Auxiliary Bishops
No auxiliary bishops currently serve in the diocese.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Thomas P. Phelan | 1947–1953 | First bishop; transferred. |
| Francisco Panal Ramírez | 1953–1966 | Oversaw early expansion. |
| Ronald Connors | 1976–1991 | American-born bishop; retired. |
| José Dolores Grullón Echegaray | 2003–present | Current bishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese maintains a slightly conservative orientation, with balanced emphasis on traditional teachings and community outreach programs.
Statistics
The diocese serves a Catholic population across its territory in the southwestern Dominican Republic.
Religious Communities
Limited information is available on specific religious communities currently active in the diocese.
Parishes
The diocese comprises multiple parishes serving local communities.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese supports Catholic schools in its territory.
Community Outreach
Programs focus on charitable assistance to rural families.
Notable Events or Figures
- The diocese was established to address pastoral needs in a developing region of the Dominican Republic.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of San Juan de la Maguana:
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Associated saints
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Religious orders
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Diocesan photos
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